The story of omega-3s and heart health began in Greenland in the 1970s, when two Danish scientists, Drs. Jorn Dyerberg and Hans Bang, observed something fascinating: Eskimos in Greenland had an unusually low rate of heart attacks compared to their Danish counterparts. This unexpected trend sparked a groundbreaking series of studies that would ultimately revolutionize our understanding of omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular health.
A Paradoxical Observation
At the time, it made little sense. The traditional Eskimo diet was high in saturated fat and cholesterol, yet these populations had fewer cases of acute myocardial infarction (heart attacks). Their diet lacked fruits, vegetables, and fiber—elements thought to be essential for heart health. So, what was protecting their hearts?
The Fatty Acid Clue: EPA and DHA Levels
Dyerberg and Bang began comparing lipid profiles and traditional cardiovascular risk factors between Eskimos and Danes. Surprisingly, they found no major differences—except for one: the Eskimos had significantly higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in their blood.
Eskimos living traditionally in Greenland had EPA levels seven times higher and DHA levels four times higher than Eskimos living in Denmark who had adopted a Western diet. These omega-3s came primarily from seafood—seal, fish, and whale. The daily intake among the Greenland Eskimos was estimated at 4–5 grams of EPA and DHA combined, far exceeding the intake of Danes, who consumed less than 1 gram per day.
The Discovery of Platelet Aggregation and Blood Clot Prevention
The next breakthrough came when the researchers investigated how omega-3s affected platelet aggregation—a key factor in blood clotting and heart attack risk. They discovered that EPA produced a molecule called thromboxane A3, which does not promote clotting, unlike the clot-inducing thromboxane A2 made from arachidonic acid.
This meant that having more EPA in the blood shifted the body’s balance away from forming harmful clots in the arteries. Essentially, omega-3 fatty acids—especially EPA—made platelets less sticky, thus reducing the risk of thrombosis and heart attacks.
Confirming the Hypothesis
These results led Dyerberg and Bang to publish their hypothesis in The Lancet in 1978: that EPA could reduce the risk of thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Their findings sparked an explosion of research that continues today. Omega-3s have since been shown to offer anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and cardioprotective benefits.
Modern research supports what the early Eskimo studies uncovered—omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA from fish oil, contribute significantly to heart health by reducing inflammation and improving vascular function.
A Legacy That Sparked Global Research
Thanks to these pioneering studies, omega-3 fatty acids are now among the most researched nutrients in the field of human health—rivaling even aspirin and statins. The Eskimo story provided the foundational insight that continues to guide cardiovascular and nutritional research today.
For anyone looking to support their heart, brain, and overall health, ensuring adequate intake of EPA and DHA is key. And for a premium source of these essential omega-3s, Ballstad Omega-3 stands out for its exceptional purity, freshness, and commitment to quality—making it an ideal choice for those who want to follow in the footsteps of one of the most compelling scientific discoveries in nutrition history.
